U.S. patent application number 16/233327 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-27 for method for pulse width modulation.
This patent application is currently assigned to Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives. The applicant listed for this patent is Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives. Invention is credited to Leandro CASSARINO, Ghislain DESPESSE.
Application Number | 20190199266 16/233327 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62683249 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-27 |
![](/patent/app/20190199266/US20190199266A1-20190627-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20190199266/US20190199266A1-20190627-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20190199266/US20190199266A1-20190627-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20190199266/US20190199266A1-20190627-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20190199266/US20190199266A1-20190627-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20190199266/US20190199266A1-20190627-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20190199266/US20190199266A1-20190627-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20190199266/US20190199266A1-20190627-M00001.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20190199266 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CASSARINO; Leandro ; et
al. |
June 27, 2019 |
METHOD FOR PULSE WIDTH MODULATION
Abstract
The invention is a method for generating a control signal
(S.sub.c) by pulse modulation according to a reference signal
(S.sub.ref), the method comprising forming successive modulation
sequences, each sequence comprising a transition between a low
state and a high state or vice versa, the method comprising the
following iterative steps, each iteration being associated with an
instant, referred to as the current instant: a) calculating a time
derivative (S'.sub.ref(t)) of the reference signal at the current
instant (t); b) according to the derivative of the reference signal
(S'.sub.ref(t)), selecting, when the derivative is positive, a
sequence (M(t)) comprising a high state preceded by a low state,
the high state extending up to the end of the modulation sequence;
when the derivative is negative, a sequence (M(t)), comprising a
high state followed by a low state, the low state extending up to
the end of the modulation sequence; the low state and the high
state extending over a low state duration (T.sub.low(t)) and a high
state duration (T.sub.high(t)) respectively, the selected sequence
(M(t)), associated with the current instant (t), extending over a
sequence duration (T(t)) starting from the current instant (t); c)
determining a high level (high(t) and a low level (low(t)), the
high level being strictly greater than the low level, d) according
to the amplitude of the reference signal (S.sub.ref) during the
sequence duration (T(t)), determining the duration of the high
state (T.sub.high(t)) or the duration of the low state
(T.sub.low(t)) of the sequence; e) reiterating steps a) to e), by
incrementing the current instant or stopping the iterations.
Inventors: |
CASSARINO; Leandro;
(Talence, FR) ; DESPESSE; Ghislain; (Voreppe,
FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies
alternatives |
Paris |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Commissariat a l'energie atomique
et aux energies alternatives
Paris
FR
|
Family ID: |
62683249 |
Appl. No.: |
16/233327 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02P 27/08 20130101;
H02M 7/5395 20130101; H03K 7/08 20130101; H02M 7/483 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02P 27/08 20060101
H02P027/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 27, 2017 |
FR |
17 63276 |
Claims
1. Method for generating a control signal by pulse modulation
according to a reference signal, the method comprising forming
successive modulation sequences, each sequence comprising a
transition between a low state and a high state or vice versa, the
method comprising the following iterations, each iteration being
associated with a current instant: a) calculating a time derivative
of the reference signal, the time derivative being associated with
a current modulation sequence corresponding to the current instant;
b) according to the time derivative of the reference signal
calculated in a), defining the current sequence, such that: when
the derivative is positive, the current sequence comprises a high
state preceded by a low state, the high state extending up to the
end of the current sequence; when the derivative is negative, the
current sequence comprises a high state followed by a low state,
the low state extending up to the end of the current sequence; the
low state and the high state extending over a low state duration
and a high state duration respectively, the current sequence
extending from the current instant, over a sequence duration; c)
taking into account a high level, corresponding to the high state,
and a low level, corresponding to the low state, the high level
being strictly greater than the low level; d) according to the
amplitude of the reference signal and the high and low levels taken
into account in c), determining the duration of the high state or
the duration of the low state of the current sequence defined in
step b); e) reiterating steps a) to e), by incrementing the current
instant by a duration equal to the duration of the sequence
resulting from d), or stopping the iterations; the method further
comprising: generating the control signal, according to the
modulation sequences defined in steps d) of the different
iterations.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein d) comprises taking
into account a minimum duration, and: di) according to the sequence
defined in b), and the amplitude of the reference signal during the
sequence duration, calculating an additional duration, the
additional duration corresponding to: the duration of the low state
when the derivative of the reference signal is positive, the
duration of the high state then being set to the minimum duration;
the duration of the high state when the derivative of the reference
signal is negative, the duration of the low state then being set to
the minimum duration; dii) comparing the additional duration and
the minimal duration; diii) when the additional duration is less
than the minimum duration, invalidating the additional duration
resulting from di), and determining an additional duration
corresponding to: the duration of the high state, when the
derivative of the reference signal is positive, the duration of the
low state then being set to the minimum duration; or the duration
of the low state, when the derivative of the reference signal is
negative, the duration of the high state then being set to the
minimum duration.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein in d), the additional
duration is calculated according to an integral of the reference
signal during the sequence duration and the high level taken into
account in c).
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein in d), the additional
duration is calculated so that the integral of the reference
signal, reduced by the low level, during the sequence duration, is
equal, within a predetermined tolerance, to the product of the high
level, reduced by the low level, by the high state duration.
5. The method according to claim 1, comprising: div) determining
the presence of a stopping instant, corresponding to an instant
characteristic of the reference signal or of its time derivative,
during the current sequence; dv) when a stopping instant is
detected, cancelling the current sequence, and adjusting a
preceding sequence, defined in a preceding iteration, so that the
preceding sequence extends between a preceding instant and the
stopping instant.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the preceding sequence
is adjusted so that: when, at the preceding instant, the time
derivative of the reference signal is positive, the high state of
the preceding sequence extends up to the stopping instant; when at
the preceding instant, the time derivative of the reference signal
is negative, the low state of the preceding sequence extends up to
the stopping instant.
7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the stopping instant
corresponds: to an instant whereat the reference signal changes
sign; or to an instant whereat the derivative of the reference
signal changes sign; or the reference signal being periodic, to an
instant corresponding to the end of a period of the reference
signal; or to an instant whereat the reference signal reaches the
high level or the low level.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein in b), the defined
sequence comprises only one high state and only one low state.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein in c), determining the
high level and the low level is performed according to
predetermined values, and according to the reference signal during
the duration of the pulse.
10. A Device for generating a control signal, according to a
reference signal, the device comprising a processor capable of
implementing steps a) to e) of a method according to claim 1,
according to the reference signal.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The technical field of the invention is pulse width
modulation for generating an electrical control signal, e.g. for
the attention of a power circuit, in particular a motor.
PRIOR ART
[0002] Pulse width modulation, often referred to by the
abbreviation PWM, consists in generating square pulses in a duty
cycle for forming a control signal, making it possible, for
example, to control a power circuit. The power circuit may be a
synchronous or an asynchronous motor. It generally comprises an
inductive low-pass filter, so that the modulation of the duty
cycle, after filtering, allows the formation of a continuous
signal, the amplitude of which depends on the duty cycle. Thus, a
variable frequency and amplitude signal is obtained.
[0003] Pulse width modulation is commonly used for controlling
voltage inverters intended for controlling three-phase motors. Most
PWM pulse generators generate pulses at a set frequency, the duty
cycle of the pulses being determined according to the value of a
reference signal, so as to obtain the desired control signal. When
the reference signal is a periodic signal, the pulse frequency is
markedly higher than the frequency of the reference signal, so as
to obtain a control signal, representative of the reference signal,
formed by averaging the value of the pulses over a few periods.
[0004] EP0336019 describes a multilevel pulse width modulation
method, according to which the pulse formed may take three discrete
voltage levels according to the reference signal. This results in
the formation of a pulse control signal switching between the
different levels, according to a frequency, known as a chopping
frequency, set and determined arbitrarily, the duty cycle between
the different levels being modulated. The chopping frequency
corresponds, for example, to the frequency between two rising edges
or two falling edges of the formed control signal. This poses a
difficulty, since the chopping frequency is generally dimensioned
according to conservative assumptions, which leads to a high number
of switchings.
[0005] Another drawback is that the switching instants are not
controlled and are only determined by a comparison between the
reference signal and a wave, referred to as a triangular carrier
wave. These switching instants are not optimized.
[0006] Another difficulty is that the duration of a pulse, i.e. the
duration in which the control signal takes the same value, is
random. In particular, the duration of a pulse may be very short,
which is not optimal. Indeed, the transition between two voltage
levels is not immediate. When the duration of a pulse is too short,
the duration of transition becomes significant with respect to the
duration of the pulse, which leads to significant losses of
transmitted energy. Indeed, each switching leads to a loss of
energy. The more numerous and close to each other the switchings
are, the greater the dissipated power, while having little effect
on the quality of the filtered control signal.
[0007] The inventors have provided a modulation method overcoming
these difficulties. They provide a method for improving the quality
of modulation, so as to form a control signal which, after applying
a low-pass filter, is more representative of the reference signal,
while optimizing the number of switchings, thus reducing energy
losses. Moreover, another advantage of the method is an
implementation that is inexpensive in memory, in particular for
periodic signals.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A first object of the invention is a method for generating a
control signal by pulse modulation according to a reference signal,
the method comprising forming successive modulation sequences, each
sequence comprising a transition between a low state and a high
state or vice versa, the method comprising the following
iterations, each iteration being associated with a current instant:
[0009] a) calculating a time derivative of the reference signal,
the time derivative being associated with a current modulation
sequence corresponding to the current instant; [0010] b) according
to the time derivative of the reference signal calculated in a),
defining the current sequence, such that: [0011] when the
derivative is positive, the current sequence comprises a high state
preceded by a low state, the high state extending up to the end of
the current sequence; [0012] when the derivative is negative, the
current sequence comprises a high state followed by a low state,
the low state extending up to the end of the current sequence;
[0013] the low state and the high state extending over a low state
duration and a high state duration respectively, the current
sequence extending from the current instant, over a sequence
duration; [0014] c) taking into account a high level, corresponding
to the high state, and a low level, corresponding to the low state,
the high level being strictly greater than the low level; [0015] d)
according to the amplitude of the reference signal and the high and
low levels taken into account in c), determining the duration of
the high state or the duration of the low state of the current
sequence defined in step b); [0016] e) reiterating steps a) to e),
by incrementing the current instant by a duration equal to the
duration of the sequence resulting from d), or stopping the
iterations; [0017] the method further comprising: [0018] generating
the control signal, according to the modulation sequences defined
in steps [0019] d) of the different iterations.
[0020] d) may comprise taking into account a minimum duration, and:
[0021] di) according to the sequence defined in b), and the
amplitude of the reference signal during the sequence duration,
calculating an additional duration, the additional duration
corresponding to: [0022] the duration of the low state when the
derivative of the reference signal is positive, the duration of the
high state then being set to the minimum duration; [0023] the
duration of the high state when the derivative of the reference
signal is negative, the duration of the low state then being set to
the minimum duration; [0024] dii) comparing the additional duration
and the minimal duration; [0025] diii) when the additional duration
is less than the minimum duration, invalidating the additional
duration resulting from di), and determining an additional duration
corresponding to: [0026] the duration of the high state, when the
derivative of the reference signal is positive, the duration of the
low state then being set to the minimum duration; [0027] or the
duration of the low state, when the derivative of the reference
signal is negative, the duration of the high state then being set
to the minimum duration.
[0028] In d), the additional duration may be calculated according
to an integral of the reference signal during the sequence duration
and the high level taken into account in c). The additional
duration may be calculated so that the integral of the reference
signal, reduced by the low level, during the sequence duration, is
equal, within a predetermined tolerance, to the product of the high
level, reduced by the low level, by the high state duration.
[0029] The method may comprise: [0030] div) determining the
presence of a stopping instant, corresponding to an instant
characteristic of the reference signal or of its time derivative,
during the current sequence; [0031] dv)when a stopping instant is
detected, cancelling the current sequence, and adjusting a
preceding sequence, defined in a preceding iteration, so that the
preceding sequence extends between a preceding instant and the
stopping instant.
[0032] The preceding sequence may be adjusted so that: [0033] when,
at the preceding instant, the derivative of the reference signal is
positive, the high state of the preceding sequence extends up to
the stopping instant; [0034] when at the preceding instant, the
derivative of the reference signal is negative, the low state of
the preceding sequence extends up to the stopping instant.
[0035] The stopping instant may correspond: [0036] to an instant
whereat the reference signal changes sign; [0037] or to an instant
whereat the derivative of the reference signal changes sign; [0038]
or the reference signal being periodic, to an instant corresponding
to the end of a period of the reference signal; [0039] or to an
instant whereat the reference signal reaches the high level or the
low level.
[0040] According to an embodiment, in b), the defined sequence
comprises only one high state and only one low state.
[0041] According to an embodiment, in c), determining the high
level and the low level is performed according to predetermined
values, and according to the reference signal during the duration
of the pulse.
[0042] Another object of the invention is a device for generating a
control signal, according to a reference signal, the device
comprising a processor capable of implementing a) to e) of a method
according to the first object of the invention, according to the
reference signal.
[0043] Other advantages and features will become more apparent from
the following description of particular embodiments of the
invention, given by way of non-restrictive examples and represented
in the figures listed below.
FIGURES
[0044] FIG. 1A represents the main steps of a method according to
the invention.
[0045] FIG. 1B is a diagram of the main components of a device for
implementing the invention.
[0046] FIGS. 2A to 2F depict different modulation sequences,
respectively corresponding to different situations.
[0047] FIGS. 3A to 3D represent examples of modulation of periodic
signals in implementing the invention.
[0048] FIGS. 4A to 4D show comparative tests between a modulation
of a sinusoidal signal performed according to the prior art and
according to the invention.
DISCLOSURE OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS
[0049] FIG. 1A depicts the main steps of an embodiment of the
invention given as a non-restrictive example. FIG. 1B is a diagram
of a device for implementing the embodiment described in connection
with FIG. 1A. FIGS. 2A to 2F illustrate the modulation sequences
corresponding to configurations described in connection with the
steps in FIG. 1A. The method described in connection with FIG. 1A
is an iterative method, with each iteration i being associated with
an instant t.sub.i referred to as the current instant. The method
consists in establishing a control signal S.sub.c, comprising a
succession of modulation sequences M(t.sub.i). Each modulation
sequence M(t.sub.i) is parameterized by a low level low(t.sub.i)
and a high level high(t.sub.i), these levels being associated with
the current instant t.sub.i. In the course of each sequence, the
control signal comprises: [0050] a low state, during which the
control signal is maintained at the low level low(t.sub.i); [0051]
a high state, in which the control signal is maintained at the high
level high(t.sub.i).
[0052] Switching between a low state and a high state forms a
transition. Such a transition is considered fast enough to be
neglected. Thus, in the course of each modulation sequence, the
control signal essentially oscillates between two discrete values,
respectively corresponding to the high and low levels. The term
essentially refers to the transitions approximately between the
high state and a low state or vice versa.
[0053] According to one variant, there are only two levels,
independent of the current instant, and common to each sequence: a
low level, e.g. corresponding to a zero voltage, and a high level
corresponding to the height of each high state. Sometimes, the
modulation is of a multilevel type, the number and the value of the
levels corresponding to predetermined data. An example of
three-level modulation is given in EP0336019.
[0054] The main steps of the embodiment shown diagrammatically in
FIG. 1A are now described. These steps are implemented at different
current instants, each current instant t.sub.i being incremented
between two successive iterations, between an initial instant
t.sub.0 and a final instant t.sub.f.
[0055] Step 100: taking account of a reference signal S.sub.ref.
The reference signal S.sub.ref corresponds to the signal with
respect to which the modulation is performed. This involves an
input datum of the method.
[0056] Step 110: calculating a time derivative of the reference
signal at the current instant t.sub.i, or at an instant
sufficiently close to the current instant so that the time
derivative may be associated with the modulation sequence
M(t.sub.i) corresponding to the current instant. Since the
reference signal is generally sampled over time, the derivative
S'.sub.ref(t.sub.i) corresponds to a rate of change, i.e. a
difference of the reference signal between two instants, e.g. the
instant t.sub.i+.delta.t and the current instant t.sub.i, said
difference being normalized by a difference .delta.t between these
instants.
[0057] Step 120: determining the sign of the derivative of the
reference signal S'.sub.ref(t.sub.i) at the current instant
t.sub.i. An important aspect of the method is that each modulation
sequence M(t.sub.i), associated with a current instant t.sub.i,
depends on the sign of the derivative of the reference signal
S'.sub.ref(t.sub.i) at the current instant t.sub.i.
[0058] When the derivative S'.sub.ref(t.sub.i) is positive, the
modulation sequence M(t.sub.i) associated with a current instant
t.sub.i is a first modulation sequence, comprising: [0059] a low
state, during which the control signal is maintained at the low
level low(t.sub.i), during a low state duration T.sub.low(t.sub.i);
[0060] a high state, during which the control signal is maintained
at the high level high(t.sub.i), during a high state duration
T.sub.high(t.sub.i).
[0061] The low state extends between the start of the sequence and
the high state, the latter extending up to the end of the sequence;
the duration T(t.sub.i) of the sequence is such that:
T(t.sub.i)=T.sub.low(t.sub.i)+T.sub.high(t.sub.i) (1).
[0062] FIG. 2A represents such a sequence. The parameterization of
the first sequence is described in connection with steps 131, 141,
151, 161, 171 and 181.
[0063] When the derivative S'.sub.ref(t.sub.i) is negative, the
modulation sequence M(t.sub.i) associated with a current instant
t.sub.i is a second modulation sequence, comprising: [0064] a high
state, during which the control signal is maintained at the high
level high(t.sub.i), during a high state duration
T.sub.high(t.sub.i), [0065] then a low state, during which the
control signal is maintained at the low level low(t.sub.i), during
a low state duration T.sub.low(t.sub.i).
[0066] The high state extends between the start of the sequence
M(t.sub.i) and the low state, the latter extending up to the end of
the sequence; the duration of the sequence T(t.sub.i) is such
that:
T(t.sub.i)=T.sub.high(t.sub.i)+T.sub.low(t.sub.i) (1').
[0067] FIG. 2B represents such a sequence. The parameterization of
the second sequence is described in connection with steps 132, 142,
152, 162, 172 and 182.
[0068] Whatever the sequence M(t.sub.i) taken into account, the
high level high(t.sub.i) and the low level low(t.sub.i) are
constant during the sequence, and determined according to
previously defined values. They are defined, in each sequence, by
considering the evolution of the reference signal S.sub.ref during
the duration of the sequence T(t.sub.i). The device may comprise a
calculation module, taking the discrete voltage levels into
account. The levels high(t.sub.i) and low(t.sub.i) may, for
example, be determined by calculating an average value
S.sub.ref(t.sub.i) of the reference signal S.sub.ref(t.sub.i)
according to the duration T(t.sub.i) of the sequence M(t.sub.i).
The levels high(t.sub.i) and low(t.sub.i) corresponding to the
sequence are then preset, discrete levels, framing the average
value S.sub.ref(t.sub.i). In particular they may be discrete levels
immediately above and below the calculated average value
respectively. The levels high(t.sub.i) and low(t.sub.i) may also be
determined by taking into account the value of the reference signal
S.sub.ref(t.sub.i) at the current instant t.sub.i. The assumption
is then made that the modulation frequency is sufficiently high,
with respect to the evolution of the reference signal, for the high
high(t.sub.i) and low low(t.sub.i) levels to be preset discrete
levels respectively on each side of the value of the reference
signal S.sub.ref(t.sub.i) at the current instant t.sub.i. In
particular they may be discrete levels immediately above and below
the value of the reference signal S.sub.ref(t.sub.i).
respectively.
[0069] Steps 131, 141, 151, 161, 171 and 181 are now described,
aimed at parameterizing the first sequence, corresponding to a
positive derivative of the reference signal.
[0070] Step 131: Taking into account a minimum duration. According
to this step, a minimum duration T.sub.min(t.sub.i) is taken into
account, associated with the current instant t.sub.i; the duration
of the high state is set to this minimum duration:
T.sub.high(t.sub.i)=T.sub.min(t.sub.i). In this example, the
minimum duration T.sub.min(t.sub.i) is common to each current
instant t.sub.i, so that for each of these instants,
T.sub.min(t.sub.i)=T.sub.min. According to other examples, the
minimum duration T.sub.min(t.sub.i) may be modulated according to
the value of the reference signal S.sub.ref(t.sub.i) or other
parameters, e.g. a comparison between the high and low levels of
the preceding sequence M(t.sub.i-1) and the current sequence
M(t.sub.i). Generally, the minimum duration T.sub.min(t.sub.i) is
greater than or equal to 5 .mu.s or 10 .mu.s. Taking into account a
minimum duration prevents constituting a high state with too short
a duration.
[0071] Step 141: Determining an additional duration
T.sub.comp(t.sub.i) which, added to the minimum duration T.sub.min,
forms the duration T(t.sub.i) of the sequence. In this case, the
additional duration T.sub.comp(t.sub.i) corresponds to the duration
of the low state T.sub.low(t.sub.i). The level high(t.sub.i) of the
high state being set, the duration of the low state is determined
so that the amplitude of the high state, reduced by the low level
low(t.sub.i), integrated according to the duration T.sub.min,
corresponds to the integral of the reference signal S.sub.ref, also
reduced by the low level low(t.sub.i), during the duration
T(t.sub.i) of the modulation sequence M(t.sub.i).
[0072] This may be expressed by the following equations:
.intg..sub.t.sub.i.sup.t.sup.i.sup.+T(S.sub.ref(k)-low(t.sub.i))dk=(high-
(t.sub.i)-low(t.sub.i)).times.T.sub.min (2)
Given that
T(t.sub.i)=T.sub.min+T.sub.comp(t.sub.i)=T.sub.min+T.sub.low(t.sub.i)
(3)
since T.sub.high(t.sub.i)=T.sub.min
[0073] These equations form a two-equation system, the input data
for which are high(t.sub.i), low(t.sub.i) and T.sub.min and the
unknowns of which are the durations T(t.sub.i) and
T.sub.low(t.sub.i).
[0074] Equation (2) expresses another feature of the embodiment: in
each modulation sequence M(t.sub.i), the integral of the control
signal during the high state, above the low level low(t.sub.i),
corresponds to the integral of the reference signal S.sub.ref,
above the low level low(t.sub.i). The integral of the control
signal, during the modulation sequence, then corresponds to the
integral of the reference signal.
[0075] Step 151: Validating the modulation sequence M(t.sub.i). The
sequence is validated if T.sub.comp(t.sub.i).gtoreq.T.sub.min, i.e.
if T.sub.low(t.sub.i).gtoreq.T.sub.min. The method then proceeds to
step 171. Otherwise, the modulation sequence is invalidated and
parameterized according to step 161.
[0076] Step 161: re-parameterizing the modulation sequence. In the
course of this step, the sequence is parameterized so that the
duration of the low state T.sub.low(t.sub.i) is set to the minimum
duration T.sub.min. It is then necessary to determine an additional
duration T.sub.comp(t.sub.i), as defined in step 131, here
corresponding to the duration T.sub.high(t.sub.i) of the high
state. The latter is calculated so that the integral of the high
state, above the low level low(t.sub.i), corresponds to the
integral of the reference signal S.sub.ref, above the low level,
during the sequence. See FIG. 2C. This results in the following
expressions:
.intg..sub.t.sub.i.sup.t.sup.+T(S.sub.ref(k)-low(t.sub.i))dk=(high(t.sub-
.i)-low(t.sub.i)).times.T.sub.high(t.sub.i) (4)
and
T(t.sub.i)=T.sub.min+T.sub.comp(t.sub.i)=T.sub.min+T.sub.high(t.sub.-
i) (5).
[0077] These equations form a two-equation system, the input data
for which are high(t.sub.i), low(t.sub.i) and T.sub.min and the
unknowns of which are the durations T(t.sub.i) and
T.sub.high(t.sub.i).
[0078] Step 171: Detecting a stopping instant. The modulation
sequence being parameterized, either following step 141, or
following step 161, step 171 comprises detecting, in the course of
the duration T(t.sub.i) of the sequence, a particular instant
t.sub.a, called stopping instant, corresponding to at least one of
the following conditions: [0079] the reference signal S.sub.ref
changes sign on each side of t.sub.a; [0080] the derivative
S'.sub.ref of the reference signal changes sign on each side of
t.sub.a; [0081] the reference signal S.sub.ref is periodic and
reaches the end of a period at the stopping instant; [0082] the
reference signal S.sub.ref reaches a high level high(t.sub.i) or a
low level low(t.sub.i).
[0083] When the sequence M(t.sub.i) does not comprise a stopping
instant (t.sub.aM(t.sub.i)), it is validated and proceeds to the
reiteration step 190. When such a stopping instant t.sub.a is
detected, the current sequence M(t.sub.i) is invalidated and step
181 is activated.
[0084] Step 181: correcting a preceding modulation sequence. In
this step, following the invalidation of the current sequence
M(t.sub.i), the modulation sequence M(t.sub.i-1), parameterized at
the modulation instant t.sub.i-1, preceding the current instant
t.sub.i, is modified, so that it extends up to the stopping instant
t.sub.a, and it is such that the integral of the high state
high(t.sub.i-1) reduced by the low level tow(t.sub.i-1),
corresponds to the integral of the reference signal S.sub.ref,
reduced by the low level low(t.sub.i-1), between the instant
t.sub.i-1 and the stopping instant t.sub.a.
[0085] Since there has not been any sign change of the derivative
of the reference signal until the stopping instant, the preceding
sequence M(t.sub.i-1) is a first sequence, in the sense that it
comprises a low state followed by a high state. As can be seen in
FIG. 2E, the high state is then extended up to the stopping
instant, and its duration T.sub.high(t.sub.i-1) is such that:
.intg..sub.t.sub.i-1.sup.t.sup.a(S.sub.ref(k)-low(t.sub.i-1))dk=(high(t.-
sub.i-1)-low(t.sub.i-1)).times.T.sub.high(t.sub.i-1) (6)
and
T(t.sub.i-1)=t.sub.a-(t.sub.i-1)=T.sub.low(t.sub.i-1)+T.sub.high(t.s-
ub.i-1) (7)
[0086] Such a correction is only applied for the iterations
following the first iteration (i=1), for which there is no
preceding iteration. It is further noted that such a correction
makes it possible to meet the condition
T.sub.high(t.sub.i-1).gtoreq.T.sub.min and
T.sub.low(t.sub.i-1).gtoreq.T.sub.min.
[0087] Steps 132, 142, 152, 162, 172 and 182 are now described
aimed at parameterizing the second sequence. Reference is made to
FIG. 2B.
[0088] Step 132: Taking into account a minimum duration. According
to this step, a minimum duration T.sub.min(t.sub.i) is taken into
account, associated with the current instant t.sub.i; the duration
of the low state is set to this minimum duration:
T.sub.low(t.sub.i)=T.sub.min(t.sub.i). In this example, as seen in
connection with step 131, the minimum duration T.sub.min(t.sub.i)
is common to each current instant t.sub.i, so that for each of
these instants, T.sub.min(t.sub.i)=T.sub.min.
[0089] Step 142: Determining an additional duration
T.sub.comp(t.sub.i), as defined in step 141, and here corresponding
to the duration T.sub.high(t.sub.i) of the high state. The high
level high(t.sub.i) of the high state being set, the duration
T.sub.high(t.sub.i) of the high state is determined so that the
amplitude of the high state, reduced by the low level low(t.sub.i),
integrated according to the duration T.sub.high corresponds to the
integral of the reference signal S.sub.ref, also reduced by the low
level low(t.sub.i), during the duration T(t.sub.i) of the
modulation sequence M(t.sub.i).
[0090] This may be expressed by the following equations:
.intg..sub.t.sub.i.sup.t.sup.i.sup.+T(S.sub.ref(k)
low(t.sub.i))dk=(high(t.sub.i)-low(t.sub.i)).times.T.sub.high(t.sub.i)
(8)
Given that
T(t.sub.i)=T.sub.min+T.sub.comp(t.sub.i)=T.sub.min+T.sub.high(t.sub.i)
(9)
since T.sub.low(t.sub.i)=T.sub.min
[0091] These equations form a two-equation system, the input data
for which are high(t.sub.i),low(t.sub.i) and T.sub.min and the
unknowns of which are the durations T(t.sub.i) and
T.sub.high(t.sub.i).
[0092] Equation (8) expresses the fact that in each sequence, the
integral of the high state, above the low level low(t.sub.i),
corresponds to the integral of the reference signal S.sub.ref,
above the low level low(t.sub.i). The integral of the control
signal, during the modulation sequence, then corresponds to the
integral of the reference signal.
[0093] Step 152: Validating the sequence. The sequence is validated
if the additional duration T.sub.comp(t.sub.i) is greater than or
equal to the minimum duration
T.sub.min:T.sub.high(t.sub.i).gtoreq.T.sub.min. The method then
proceeds to step 172. Otherwise, the sequence is invalidated and
parameterized according to step 162.
[0094] Step 162: re-parameterizing the modulation sequence. In the
course of this step, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2D, the
sequence is parameterized so that the duration T.sub.high(t.sub.i)
of the high state is set to the minimum duration T.sub.min. The
additional duration T.sub.comp(t.sub.i) then corresponds to the
duration T.sub.low(t.sub.i) of the low state: it is calculated so
that the integral of the high state, above the low level
low(t.sub.i), corresponds to the integral of the reference signal
S.sub.ref, above the low level, during the sequence. This results
in the following expressions:
.intg..sub.t.sub.i.sup.t.sup.i.sup.+T(S.sub.ref(k)-low(t.sub.i))dk=(high-
(t.sub.i)-low(t.sub.i)).times.T.sub.min (10)
and
T(t.sub.i)=T.sub.minT.sub.comp(t.sub.i)=T.sub.minT.sub.low(t.sub.i)
(11).
[0095] These equations form a two-equation system, the input data
for which are high(t.sub.i), low(t.sub.i) and T.sub.min and the
unknowns of which are the durations T (t.sub.i) and
T.sub.low(t.sub.i).
[0096] Step 172: Detecting a stopping instant. The modulation
sequence being parameterized, either following step 142, or
following step 162, step 172 comprises detecting, in the course of
the duration T (t.sub.i) of the sequence, a particular instant
t.sub.a, as defined in step 171.
[0097] When such a stopping instant t.sub.a is detected, the
current sequence M(t.sub.i) is invalidated and step 182 is
activated. In the absence of detecting a stopping instant, the
method proceeds to step 190.
[0098] Step 182: Correcting the preceding modulation sequence. This
step is represented in FIG. 2F. The modulation sequence
M(t.sub.i-1), parameterized at the modulation instant preceding the
current instant, is modified so that it extends up to the stopping
instant t.sub.a, and it is such that the integral of the high
state, reduced by the low level low(t.sub.i-1), corresponds to the
integral of the reference signal S.sub.ref, reduced by the low
level low(t.sub.i-1), between the instant t.sub.i-1 and the
stopping instant.
[0099] Since there has not been any sign change of the derivative
of the reference signal until the stopping instant, the preceding
sequence M(t.sub.i-1) is a second sequence, in the sense that it
comprises a high state followed by a low state. The low state is
then extended until the stopping instant, and the duration of the
high state is such that:
.intg..sub.t.sub.i-1.sup.t.sup.a(S.sub.ref(k)-low(t.sub.i-1))dk=(high(t.-
sub.i-1)-low(t.sub.i-1)).times.T.sub.high(t.sub.i-1) (12)
and
T(t.sub.i-1)=t.sub.a(t.sub.i-1)=T.sub.high(t.sub.i-1)+T.sub.low(t.su-
b.i-1) (13)
[0100] Such a correction is only applied for the iterations
following the first iteration (i=1), for which there is no
preceding iteration. It is further noted that such a correction
makes it possible to meet the condition
T.sub.low(t.sub.i-1).gtoreq.T.sub.min and
T.sub.high(t.sub.i-1).gtoreq.T.sub.min.
[0101] Step 190: reiterating the current instant t.sub.i. The
current instant is incremented so as to correspond to the end of
the resulting sequence, as in the cases of step 141, or step 161,
or step 181, or step 142, or step 162, or step 182. Thus, in the
absence any stopping instant detected in the course of the
iteration corresponding to the current instant t.sub.i,
t.sub.i+1=t.sub.i+T(t.sub.i).
[0102] When a stopping instant t.sub.a has been detected in the
course of the iteration corresponding to the current instant
t.sub.i, the following iteration starts at the stopping instant:
t.sub.i+1=t.sub.a
[0103] Steps 110 to 190 are reiterated until a stopping criterion
is reached, e.g. a number of predetermined iterations or reaching a
maximum instant. The control signal S.sub.c is gradually formed by
the set of sequences M(t.sub.i) respectively formed at each
iteration.
[0104] The method described above offers the following advantages:
[0105] an adaptation to the variation of the reference signal, such
that when the reference signal S.sub.ref is increasing, the
sequences are different from those established when the reference
signal is decreasing. The morphology of each sequence is adapted to
the variation of the reference signal: low level then high level
when the reference signal is increasing; high level then low level
when the reference signal is decreasing. This minimizes the average
distance, during each sequence, between the control signal S.sub.c,
and the reference signal S.sub.ref. The control signal is then
closer to the reference signal. At the end of the sequence, the
control signal may notably reach: [0106] a high level, making it
closer to the low level of the following sequence, when the low
level low(t.sub.i+1) of the following sequence corresponds to the
high level high(t.sub.i) of the current sequence, which is
represented in FIG. 2C. [0107] or a low level, making it closer to
the high level of the following sequence, when the high level
high(t.sub.i+1) of the following sequence corresponds to the low
level low(t.sub.i) of the current sequence. [0108] This reduces the
average error of the control signal S.sub.c with respect to the
reference signal S.sub.ref. [0109] taking into account a minimum
duration T.sub.min, affecting either the low state, or the high
state, so as to limit the number of switchings between the two
states. This makes it possible to limit the switching losses,
resulting from too fast switching between different states. The
minimum duration makes it possible to ensure a minimum time
interval between two switchings. The duration of each sequence is
then determined according to an "additional" duration
T.sub.comp(t.sub.i), being added to the minimum duration. The
additional duration is determined by taking into account the
integral of the reference signal S.sub.ref during each sequence, so
that the energy of the control signal S.sub.c, in each sequence, is
as close as possible to the energy of the reference signal
S.sub.ref. It will be noted that in the methods of the prior art,
the duty cycle is determined according to a value of the reference
signal during given instants, but not according to an integral of
the value of the reference signal during each modulation sequence.
[0110] taking into account stopping instants t.sub.a, representing
a physical reality (end of period, zero reference signal, sign
change of the derivative), and a synchronization of each sequence
according to these stopping instants. For example, if a sinusoidal
signal extending on either side of a zero value is considered, a
stopping instant corresponds to each quarter period. The generated
control signal then respects the periodic appearance of the
reference signal and ensures a certain symmetry on each side of the
stopping instants t.sub.a.
[0111] FIG. 1B is a diagram of a device for implementing the
invention. It consists of a generator 10 of the reference signal
S.sub.ref, and a processor 20, configured for implementing the
steps as previously described for successively establishing the
various sequences forming the control signal S.sub.c. The control
signal thus generated is sent to a generator of the control signal
30, the latter generating the control signal intended for a system
to be controlled 40, e.g. a motor.
[0112] FIG. 3A represents a sinusoidal reference signal S.sub.ref,
and a control signal S.sub.c comprising modulation sequences
obtained by implementing the embodiment previously described, by
considering a nine-level discretization. It is to be noted that the
number of switchings is limited. There is also a symmetry of the
control signal over a period. Thus, when the signal to be modulated
is periodic, which corresponds to a normal case of application, the
modulation sequences defined over a period of the reference signal
S.sub.ref may be stored and reproduced for each period, or even a
half period or a quarter period of the reference signal. This makes
it possible to save on the computing and/or memory resources of the
processor. The method is particularly suitable for controlling
embedded systems, e.g. of vehicles, in which the processor's
resources have to be optimized in order to minimize power
consumption.
[0113] FIG. 3B represents an example of a sinusoidal signal
modulation considering 17 levels. In the examples in FIG. 3A and
3B, the peak values of the reference signal correspond respectively
to the minimum level (-4 in FIG. 3A, -8 in FIG. 3B) and to the
maximum level (+4 in FIG. 3A, +8 in FIG. 3B). FIG. 3C represents a
modulation performed on a configuration in which the peak values of
the reference signal S.sub.ref do not coincide with level values.
Again, the symmetry of the control signal may be observed.
[0114] FIG. 3D shows an example of modulation of a signal
comprising a main sinusoidal component completed by a harmonic
component of rank 3. The harmonic component of rank 3 has a
frequency three times higher than the frequency of the main
component, and has an amplitude less than the latter. This
illustrates the fact that the invention is applicable to complex
periodic signals. This makes the invention applicable to the
control of electrical machines by sinusoidal signals with harmonics
injection. For example, such a configuration may be used to control
one of the phases of a three-phase motor. The periodicity of the
control signal makes it possible to store only the information
relating to the levels and durations that have elapsed since the
start of a period. A vector comprising the levels and a vector
comprising the durations elapsing from the start of a period may be
set up, for example. These vectors may be stored, allowing the
generation of the control signal while optimizing the memory space
and reducing the calculation needs, by a simple repetitive
application of stored sequences.
[0115] Coupling with Hall effect sensors, arranged in the motor,
makes it possible to use the information resulting from the Hall
effect sensors for synchronization purposes. Indeed, a Hall effect
sensor can generate a signal relating to an orientation, the
generated signal having two transitions in each period. Each
transition makes it possible to form a piece of angular information
as to the position of the rotor with respect to the stator,
allowing the synchronization of the control signal.
[0116] The inventors have carried out simulations to highlight some
advantages of the invention. These simulations are presented below,
in connection with FIGS. 4A to 4D.
[0117] FIG. 4A depicts a sinusoidal reference signal S.sub.ref and
a first control signal 5.sub.c1 established according to a prior
art modulation method. According to this method, a triangular
carrier is applied between two successive levels, and the high and
low levels of the control signal are determined according to
intersections between the triangular carrier and the control
signal.
[0118] FIG. 4B represents the sinusoidal reference signal and a
second control signal S.sub.c2 obtained by implementing the method
previously described. The signal S.sub.c2 comprises the same number
of switchings of the signal S.sub.c1
[0119] By comparing FIGS. 4A and 4B, it can be seen that the second
control signal S.sub.c2 fully complies with a condition according
to which the duration of each low or high state is greater than or
equal to a minimum duration, which is not the case of the first
control signal S.sub.c1.
[0120] A low-pass filter has been applied to the control signals
S.sub.c1 and S.sub.c2 respectively represented in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
Thus a first filtered signal S.sub.f1 is obtained from the control
signal represented in FIG. 4A, obtained according to the prior art,
and a second filtered signal S.sub.f2, from the control signal
represented in FIG. 4B, obtained according to the invention. FIG.
4C represents the first filtered signal, the second filtered signal
and the reference signal. It is recalled that the modulation of the
reference signal S.sub.ref is the more efficient the closer the
control signal S.sub.c, after filtering, is to the reference
signal.
[0121] FIG. 4D depicts a first differential signal .DELTA.S.sub.f1
and a second differential signal .DELTA.S.sub.f2 respectively
obtained by a subtraction between the reference signal and the
first filtered signal, and between the reference signal and the
second filtered signal: .DELTA.S.sub.f1=S.sub.ref-S.sub.f1 and
.DELTA.S.sub.f2=S.sub.ref-S.sub.f2. The differential signal makes
it possible to visually observe the performance of each modulation.
It is found that the amplitude of the second differential signal is
less than the amplitude of the first differential signal, which is
a testament to the superior performance of the modulation performed
by the invention. The inventors have calculated that in this
example, the implementation of the invention leads to a reduction
in the mean square error .DELTA.(MSE) of 27.37%, this error being
calculated according to the expression
.DELTA. ( MSE ) = ( 1 - MSE ( S c 2 ) MSE ( S c 1 ) ) .times. 100
##EQU00001## With : ##EQU00001.2## MSE ( S c 1 ) = 1 n i = 1 n ( S
ref i - S c 1 i ) 2 ##EQU00001.3## and ##EQU00001.4## MSE ( S c 2 )
= 1 n i = 1 n ( S ref i - S c 2 i ) 2 ##EQU00001.5##
.pi. being an integer designating each sample taken into account
for calculating the mean.
[0122] The invention may be applied to the electrical power supply
of power systems, e.g. motors, or the exchange of energy with the
electricity network. It may notably be applied on electric
vehicles, such as cars or bicycles or stationary storage
systems.
* * * * *